Quick update with wall stickers

Wall stickers are a quick and cheap way to personalize any room. They are safe to use, even if you are renting, as they are totally removable.




It's amazing what a difference a lick of paint and some classy wall stickers can do! I found soma really pretty ones from Ebay with almost any text you can imagine. And the price was not too bad either, they start from 15 dollars or so.

Kooloburra - the Uggs updated

Bored of Uggs? Well the Australians updated the classic sheepskin boot with a twist.

With every pair of boots you carry a message; Sometimes you just can't decide whether you are feeling naughty or nice...

Maybe Rockn Roll on Monday, Love Life Tuesday?,

Glamorous bathrooms gorgeous dressing tables

Sometimes the little things make a huge difference. Splash of colour in the bathroom wall can really make the bathroom moments even more so refreshing..

Calm and colourfull bedrooms

I am in the proces of getting a French Bulldog... ;)

Four poster beds

When one day, I will have a huuuge bedroom, I will get a four poster canopy bed... :)

Zara home

I just absolutely adore the autumn 2009 Zara home collection... It's so homely, cosy and so mee! :)

French Martini

I used to love drinking this scrumptious cocktail in London. However, even then bar tenders don't always know how to do it.

Here is the secret recepe:

Vodka
Chanbord liquer
Pineapple juice...

It's so yummy, and as soon as I find the perfect glasses so serve them, I will host a French Martini and Kir Royl party!

My new flat!

I finally found a lovely new flat right in the center of Helsinki, so plenty more space! It has got old wooden floors, Parisian style bathroom with bath tub and large windows. My first buy for the flat was this adorable 40's pink arm chair for 40€ from a fleat market and the KIlim rug for 15€! What a bargain! :)

Shoe storage

Finally found a storage shelf for some of my shoes in the hallway! It was 7€ from Fida, and fits perfectly in the nook in my tiny entrance hall. :)
From left to right;
Top: Pink Vivienne Westwood, purple sandals from Rio De Janeiro, Lady Dragon by Vivienne Westwood, Marc Jacobs boots.
Middle: Turquise snake skin sandals Zara, Fringe boots Dinsko, blue sandals Marc Jacobs, pink sandals Ebay, gold boots Irregular Choice.
Bottom: Vintage boots Uff, skull trainers Ebay, flower shoes Zara, Vintage boots x 2 Ebay and Uff.

Ofelia second had market

Had again a lovely weekend selling in the Ofelia second handmarket in Gloria Helsinki! :) Sold a lot of stuff as my beloved Moshino Jacket, Dior fishnets to a loving home! :) Lots of stuff still to sell, will be heading to Hietsu flea market this summer many times!

My apartment featured in Glorian Koti magazine <3

Miami vibes

I got this pink rattan bed head from Fida flea market for 15€! I love the exotic Florida vibe it brings to my flat! Basket is from Moko, lamp also from Fida. Bedding Designers Guild.

Summer weddings <3

wedding outfit by lolitocha on Polyvore.com

I already bought 3 dresses to my friends' wedding, but when I saw this Coco Ribbon dress and the feather bag in Asos, I just had to get them!!.. At least a girl will have many options to choose from. ;) A vintage style flower fascinator from Ebay will finish the look! :)

dreamig... by lolitocha featuring Jessica Kagan Cushman bracelets

The gorgeous green dress with the bow is by Betty Jackson available at asos.com. The heart bag is the oh soooo expensive Marc Jacobs heart bag which I am one day going to get my hands on. Jessica Kagan Cushman bracelets are so adorable I want them all! Vivienne Westwood Lady Dragon shoes are made of recycled plastic, and with the price tag, they are not only good for your wallet, but also good for the environment.

One sunny day

I think my dog enjoyes my new Designers Guild Tatami bedlinen as much as I! :)
I found a pair of antique chairs from a flee market. They need to be re-upholstered once I find the right fabric.

Some shows are just too pretty to keep in the closet! From left to right Vivienne Westwood's Je Kid and Lady Dragon shoes. Hello Kitty soft toy was a gift from a friend from a trip to Japan, and the books have followed me from all over the world.

It was love at first sight

Amidst the economic crises I am doing my best to keep the wheels of economy rolling. I bought this gorgeous Marc Jacobs dress from Ebay. It was a total bargain about 60 euros. Normal price is apparently somewhere in the region of 700! The shoes are Vivienne Westwood and bangles in my wrist also Marc Jacob's.

Rock chic

Some hot finds from Ebay.

Vivienne Westwood biker jacket 55 €, Marc Jacobs boots 120€, Marc Jacobs heart purse bag 110€
Marc Jacobs hobo bag 40€, Amplified Rolling Stones t-shirt, Shorts Chloe 15€

Wedding dress

For my friends wedding in May I thought of wearing a fabulous Chloe dress, that was seen on Micha Barton, my new Vivienne Westwood Je kid booties with black stockings, Moschino satin bomber over it if it's cold and a vintage handbag and a black Marc Jacob's bubble chrystal ring. What do you think? :)

Summer outfits... <3

Although it's snowing outside, I thought of putting together some lovely summer outfits that I recently purchased from Ebay...


Moschino Vallet



Miu miu retro classes

Marc Jacobs top

Skirt Paul & Joe



Boots Marc Jacobs

Rock bedroom

It's funny how good old and new can look together. Old Sex Pistols posters work so well with Designers Guild bedding! Lamp is the classic Verner Panton's, Kilim rug Urban Outfitters, Moroccan leather pouffee Graham and Green and the lovely antique-Style ceramic table lamp at Spiegel.com.


Rock bedroom - by lolitocha on Polyvore.com

What happens backstage?

Are the stories about what happens backstage in concerts true or just legend? I went to find out. Read about it in January issue of Soundi.



Photo by: Laura Mendelin

Mix your own collages

Dream living room by lolitocha


Lolita 4 by sara_sara


you're ugly on the inside by moonpiglet™

www.polyvore.com is a great site where you can mix and match images from anywhere on the web, to create art, outfits, interior designs, or any kind of collage. You can browse and shop thousands of fab looks created by other users! Great for planning that dream interior, without spending a penny!

Going to San Francisco wearing flares and braids in my hair

A very good friend of mine,fashion designer Mario Cadenas (from the Project Runway first season), predicts that next summer the 70's flowy tops, chunky heels and flared jeans will be huge. I love the Woodstock style, a bit of a hippy at heart as I am. I will be heading to San Franciso in this gear from www.asos.com. Siwy flared patch jeans, Meghan Fabulous silk bustier tunic top, and a braided hair band. Peace and love <3.

Read about Mario's new project SiameseMK designs in my interview from
http://www.hs.fi/haku/?kaikkiSanat=mario+cadenas

Mario dedicated one of his Pin-Up/ punk inspired t-shirts for me, titled "Kitty Von Bang"! (blushing) :)



These hot t-shirts are available from Mario's site www.siamesemk.com

Vintage fascinators - the cherry on top

Vintage inspired fascinators, those cute "mini hats" haven't been this popular since the 40's. Burlesque style headress makes a perfect accesory to a summer party or a wedding. If Dita Von Teese wears them, you can't go wrong! I will get mine from www.ebay.co.uk to wear with a lovely dress in my friend's wedding in May!

Haute hippy

This picture was taken of me by the "Paparazzi" arriving at the Make Up Store fashion party "Whisper" in Ahjo on Bulevardi, Helsinki.
The outfit was truly "vintage chic"; the sheepskin coat was 6 euros from the flea market Uff, the bag 1 euro from Fida outlet, and the vintage boots were 16 e! Watch out for the vampires...



http://www.makeupstore.se/fifi/showcase.php

A rock star who fears umbrellas, women, himself and me, yet does not fear performing to millions - Perttu from Apocalyptica

Finnish metal band Apocalyptica recently made Finnish music history by becomming number one in the BDS- ja Mediabase Active Rock US single charts with their single "I don't care feat. Adam Gontier". Apocalyptica was originally known to play Metallica covers, ironically they beat up even Metallica on the lists! I interviewed Perttu Kivilaakso about their succes. Welll done boys!



http://www.hs.fi/kulttuuri/artikkeli/Apocalyptican+hurja+ei+en%C3%A4%C3%A4+sekoile/1135241683220

http://www.hs.fi/viihde/artikkeli/Apocalyptica+Metallican+ohi+USAn+listoilla/1135241366064

Dita Von Teese reveals her style secrets

I got to interview the lovely queen of Burlesque, Marilyn Manson's Ex, Dita Von Teese for December Elle Finnish edition. She told me, that she buys many of her clothes from vintage shops, jumps on a trampoline at home, and shops at Ebay. Check it out! ;)






http://www.elle.fi/lehti/2008/_a85245/joulukuu+2008++nro+1208/

Retro etnic

Next summer the fashion will be getting influences from the 60's and 70's. Believe it or not, the flares are back, Siwy, 18th Amendment and DVB jeans are allready doing it.
Also interiors are following the retro theme. Go retro etnic in year 2009 with large prints, colour and patchwork, like these Urban Outfitter lovelies...







www.asos.com
www.urbanoutfitters.com

Missoni autumn

My new Missoni towels and cushions give a spark of colour in a dark autumn season.


The rug in the lobby was a found from the flea market. It was knitted by this old lady, and cost 6€! I have seen similar rugs sold in Moko for 60€! huh...


The large floor lamp was also a find from the flea market. The wires need to be changed but it's absolutely fab. I am not sure who is the designer, but an Antique store estimated that it could be Danish origin.

I got the Hello Kitty as a birthday gift from Tokio!

Anatomy of Harajuku Lolita dress

There are certain rules of dressing when it comes to the so trendy now, ”Lolita” dress code. Gothic lolita is the most common dress style, but almost as popular is the ”sweet Lolita”, definitely one of the cutest and most colorful. It has all the traditional lolita elements but with a more wider choice of colors, like light pinks, baby blues, deep red, deep blue, black, and even sometimes colors like lavender, canary yellow and mint green. This is also where you'll find the most fluff and frill. Sweet Lolita themes often are influenecd by fairy tales like Little Mermaid, Sleeping Beauty, Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella and Snow White.



Picture: Hannele Piirainen

Autumn Missoni Look

The look for my flat for autumn will be inspired by Brasil and who else does the warm vibrant colours that better than Missoni.

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum The Sweetest thing

Ooh lalaa this is the sweetest parfum I can think of. Opulent yet light and flowery, profusion of tea, bergamot, sambac jasmine, orchid,freesia, rose and patchouli, has the power to make everything seem more positive...

But with the price tag of 100dollars per bottle, until now I have been just dreaming about it... Maybe someone will get it for my birthday? ;)

Bring some summer inside

The weather might not be so great outside, but I brought some summer inside.

Retro Coca-Cola glasses

I don't normally eat in MC Donalds, but I had to this time, just for these glasses. I love the retro inspired Coke glasses that they give out with meals. Luckily a friend game me also 2 of them! Urban Outfitters sells similar ones, but with texts such as "slut" and "Douchebag" in them... haha.. ;)

Planning for my summer birthday

I am planning to have my August birthday in the garden, with paper lanterns, cushions, and 5m sari fabric as the "ceiling". I already ordered the paper lanterns and the fabric from Ebay. I have lots of colourfull cushions, which I am going to use on the seatings, as here with Designers Guild cushions.

J'aime Rio <3

Read about my adventures in Rio De Janeiro favela Acari in City.

with love from Brasil <3, Annika Väisänen

http://www.city.fi/artikkeli/Tervetuloa+slummiin/2684/

Patchwork quilts <3

I love the new trend for handmade look quilts and cushions that Urban Outfitters and Ikea have picked up.

Here my friends authentic patch work quilt in Rio De Janeiro favela which I love.

Brazil meu amor

My new Brazilian inspired 20sq m nook in Helsinki

Articles on my apartment

I got a bit of a schock (albeit a pleasant one), in the News Agent, when I saw my apartment in the front cover of the interiors magazine Deco! :) My flat was also featured in the fashion magazine Trendi www.trendi.fi.

Livingroom after styling

Graham and Green <3

I'm in love with the new Graham and Green white metal and carved furniture. Seriously considering ordering it from England.

New Year new projects

This year, my apartment is finally finished and it's time to leave it behind. I am going to move to a new apartment, in the oh so fashionably boho chic Punavuori, in Helsinki. I am going to have a chance to put in a new kitchen and this time I am going to make it retro glamorous with vintage accents such as a retro fridge and a retro espresso machine. The bottom cupboards are going to be Ikea Udden and glass shelves on the top.

I am in love with Ed Hardy, the LA born tattooist label. It's huge in US, and I guess will be soon in Europe too...http://www.donedhardy.com

My white xmas

My dresser

My granny's dresser circa 1950 got a new lease of life when I varnished it dark and changed new handles from Ikea. I use it as a laptop and a night table now.

Table lamp is from Urban Outfitters, frame from Day, bag is Guess, Diptyque candle from London. Photo courtesy of Martti Järvi.

Hallway after styling

Picture courtesy of Martti Järvi

Bedroom before and after...

I have come a long way baby

I wish to have an old fashioned bath tube like this one day! J'adore!

My new bicycle!

My old bike got stolen, so I got this new one today! :) Almost everyone has got one of these in Miami... and although I am nowhere near Florida any longer, or maybe that's why... I had to get my own beach cruiser! :)

Lounge after styling

Fresh lilies make me happy! :)

Buddha of Suburbia

My little altar on the windowsill.

Another image of my favorite... Designers Guild's Corazon wallpaper. I am thinking of making a bed headboard out of it. J'adore! :) Image source: Kotivinkki.

What to do with old scarfs

I have started to make cushion covers from old silk scarfs I have
found in flea markets. This pink cushion cover was my project today... I made it of 7 pieces and it's nowhere near professional standars, but I made it myself! lol! The lamp behind the sofa was another find, it cost me a whole 1€ (1.50 Dollars) in the market last summer... The huge coffee table is from my granny, it's from the 50's and I varnished it dark myself. Yhe larger cushion is from Indiska.

I am Ebayholic

My name is Kitty Von Bang, and I can finally admit, that I am Ebayholic...Ok well I really needed a casual summer jacket, and found this Brazil retro Adidas track top. As people always ask if I am Brazilian, I thought I could fool them a step further! ;) Will look great with my jeans shorts and hoop earrings! :)

This should be illegal!

This gorgeousness should be made illegal! It's not fair! Graham and Green spring.

Summer boho chic

My summer outfit da jour is going to be "I love NY" t-shirt, hoop ear rings from Indiska and jeans shorts... I am still looking for a pink cowboy hat as I left the old one at the airport somewhere between London and Barbados... :(

At night, change the t-shirt to a satin shirt, add gold high heels and gold bangles.. and voila... :)

Bohemian...rhapsody

I am still collecting ideas to my bedroom... It will be along the lines of my lounge, bohemian chic with lots of soothing colours and a touch of eastern spirit!

The bedding is from Finnish bargain shop Anttila and fabric is "Ananas" by Marimekko...

Rock'n roll glamour

Some Rock'n Roll glamour... I love the Kartell Bourgie lamps... Marie Claire Maison.

Hel Looks

Want to see what we wear in Finland? Well you can have a sneak peak into Finnish fashion at Hel-looks I noticed I wasn't the only one, who wore the russian style furry hat last winter... :)

Cute enough to eat!

Finally a sexy collection from Marimekko! Designed by Samu Jussi Koski, the strawberry print is cute enough to eat!

Wallpaper head board

I love the idea of using expensive wallpaper (here Designers Guild) as a bed head. Marie Claire Maison.

Splashes of yellow brightens up any neutral room, lovely and summery! I adore the chinese side table too. Domino Magazine.

I need a chandelier to my hallway... These really quirky yet affordable ones are from... tadaa... Ebay... :) Just type in "chadeliers" in search!

Not both the curtains need to be the same colour, but make sure they match! ;) Domino Magazine

This bedding from Serena Lily looks totally gorgeous. I think it's a great idea to paint rattan furniture, pink looks so adorable...

Designers Guild cushion galore!

Ebaylucious

Ebay is just great... I just bid this gorgeous pink Chloe replica bag from there, as well as the cute cowboy boots.. I only need a floaty flowery summer dress and my summer outfit will be complete! This green eye candy one is from Indiska.

Spring is here! A beautifull pink branch on top of the cupboard from my grandfather! :)

Avantgarde decoration

Prices from dog shows displayed as a colourfull decoration!

Urban owls

I have no idea, why owls have suddenly become so popular in interior decorating? Until now owls have symbolised something dark for me, perhaps have been watching too much Twin Peaks lately? But on second thought, as one can see from these lovely things from Urban OUtfitters, I do think that owls are actually rather adorable! :)

Childhood memories

I got to share you the story of my rocking horse... I got it when I was 2 and I still have it! I am not sure where it came from originally, but I suspect it was used by my girl cousins before me, then after me by my lil brother, after him by my boy cousin, and couple of other cousins in my granny's house, then my dad had given it to his cousin's baby, and when the baby grew too big, I demanded my dad to get the rocking horse back! I want my children to be able to have it one day... :) This sturdy rocker has been in production in Europe for over 50 years. It will never go out of style, and is sure to be a classic for the next 50 years. It's now sold in the trendiest shops such as Velocity Art & Design

My boudoir

Ok the thing is I could do so many things with my bedroom, but I just can't decide on the colour scheme... My doggie loves her new pink floor cushion though! (when she doesn't invade my bed)... :)

Travelling retro style

My new bike... It's the classic Finnish "Jopo" model! :) I can't wait to get driving! The hallway floor is beginning to be finished too and it looks pretty good... :)

Perhaps I am going to use pink in my bedroom... I came accross these Dwell Dusk Cowboy Cushions for kids, but why not for young at heart people, like myself too? ;)

Me likey...noo me lovey Urban Outfitters! Why oh why we can't get that stuff in Finland!!!? Hopefully I will be going to Miami this month, and they have 2 Urban Outfitters there so that I can stock up on all the gorgeousness... Plus they have started to sell art by my friend Simon (Basher), from the times when I was running an art gallery InsideSpace In Selfridges in London... How cool is that!!! I feel like all my artists are my babies who have now flown out of the nest! lol!

Miss Van art

Happy 1st May!!! xxx

New bicycle

My old bike got stolen, so I got this new one today! :)

I am trying to decide the colour scheme for my bedroom. It's window is facing the East, so I know I should use warm colours, but I just adore these turquise beddings from Designers Guild! The above one is Esperanza and the one below, is Tatami. Otherwise my bedroom is totally white at the moment, white walls and white floor boards.

I am waiting for this lovely Capiz lampshade to arrive... It's a bargain (100dollars) in comparison to the real Panton Light (1000 Dollars)... :)

My kitchen

I love the combination of old and new... The pair of white chairs are by Verner Panton, and the brown 60's chair I found in the basement. :) The white antique cupboard is from my grand father as are the 50's dining table and the old radio on the windowsill.

A bit of luxury for every day

I love this gorgeous picture frame from Day. And the picture of the poochie of course!

Oohhh la laa...

If I only had the space... I miss playing...

On my windowsill

The flowers I "raised" from bulb with my tender loving care! :)

My love of all things retro...

I love all things retro...


I wish the Francis Francis espresso machines didn't cost as much as they do in Finland! :(



Although I did buy this Dualit classic toaster from Selfridges, in London... :) I use it every day for many years to come hopefully! :)

Where to put all my clothes and shoes?

Although there are two wardrobes in the hallway, I decided to spalsh on a proper beautifull wardrobe. I found this lovely (and huge one) in sale, and the plan is to turn the alcove in my bedroom, into a small "dressing room"...

Classic design

I also ordered the Panton chairs from Germany from

Ambiente Direct The candle holder is from my favorite... Indiska.

After painting the ceiling, floor, and after adding a new wall paper...I am so proud of myself as I did it all alone! (ok dad came to help with the celing a bit)... ;)

I am a huge fan of Designers Guild fabrics, this is the low budget version. Curtains I made myself, and the oriental rug and cushion are from Indiska A friend of mine, Camilla brought the leather Puffee from Algeria, but Graham and Green sells similar ones...textiles make me smile! :)


This is where it all started... First viewing...

The hallway had old lino tiles, and removing them would have been very costly so I decided to paint the tiles myself for now, to give them a new lease of life! The cafe latte colour brings nice warmth to the hallway... :) And the squares are not difficult to paint (albeit it's a struggle with all the dog hair around).

Dream bedroom

Brocade Home does some amazing furniture... Unfortunately they are not available here in the Northern Wilderness... Ok well South West Coast of Finland... :)

I love old building, and my apartment is in a "Jugend" (Art Nouveau?) building that was built in 1928. And it's pink of course! :)

My brand new Smeg oven arrives!

My beautifull brand new Smeg oven arrived from Germany! By ordering it from the internet I saved 50% from the normal price! I love it! It's gorgeous and really quick as well.